In Burnsville on Sunday, a domestic abuse report escalated into a fatal armed confrontation, resulting in the deaths of two Burnsville police officers and one firefighter paramedic.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has confirmed that the suspect also died, although no specifics regarding the circumstances of his death have been disclosed.
Following a report of a man barricading himself inside a residence with family members around 2 am, law enforcement swiftly responded, deploying armored vehicles and SWAT units to the vicinity of 33rd Avenue and East Burnsville Parkway early Sunday morning.
Subsequently, a violent exchange of gunfire ensued, claiming the lives of three first responders and leaving another injured.
Names Released: Fallen Burnsville Officers and Paramedic
The deceased responders were identified by the city as Burnsville police officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, along with paramedic Adam Finseth, who served as a firefighter with the Burnsville Fire Department.
Another officer, Sgt. Adam Medlicott, sustained injuries not deemed life-threatening and was transported to the hospital.
The suspect was reported deceased around 8 a.m. according to BCA Superintendent Drew Evans, who also stated that none of the other family members inside the residence, including seven children ranging from 2 to 15 years old, were harmed.
A neighborhood witness reported hearing gunshots prior to receiving a shelter-in-place notification.
This order was lifted around 10:30 a.m. Evans noted that the shooter possessed multiple firearms and a significant quantity of ammunition, firing from various positions within the home. Responders engaged the assailant, and BCA investigators are currently piecing together the events of the incident.
Evans confirmed that at least one officer was shot inside the home, while the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the other two responders, whether inside or outside the residence, remain under investigation by the BCA.